Living the Christian Life

Lesson 7The Discipline of Service

Prayer

We continue our Christian Living study of the twelve Spiritual Disciplines by looking at the "outward" Discipline of Service. What does "service" look like, what motivates us to service, and what does God expect in our service? These are all areas that will examine in this lesson.

Serving Christ and working to meet the needs of others is something that many followers of Christ willingly accomplish. What does God’s word say about serving Him, and how can we use this to better our own service? Let’s find out.

Read the referenced verses below and respond to the corresponding questions regarding service.

  1. What does service start with?
    1. 1 John 4:7-21 and Romans 12:9-13
    2. Psalm 127:1-2
    3. 1 Corinthians 10:31
  2. In addition to love, what other commandment does Jesus give us regarding living and serving as Christ would have us do? See Matthew 6:33.
  3. What can we learn about service from the verses in James 2:14-26?
  4. In addition to providing for physical needs through our service, there are times when we need to address the emotional and spiritual needs of others. How does Romans 12:15 tell us to accomplish this?
  5. In our service to God, Paul instructs us regarding our role on this earth as his servants. What do the following verses tell us concerning this matter?
    1. 2 Corinthians 5:20
    2. Luke 9:23
  6. Often we can confuse being busy with serving. Examine Luke 10:38-42. What can we learn from this passage regarding service vs. "busyness"?
  7. What are some specific examples of serving Christ mentioned in Matthew 25:31-46?

Let’s take some time to examine our hearts this week and determine if there are ways that we can improve our service for Christ. If you are not currently actively serving and meeting the needs of someone or addressing a particular ministry need, this is an opportunity to pray that God will open your heart and your eyes to the many avenues for service that are all around us.

What a blessing to have the opportunity to serve others in the name of Christ!

Thanks for studying with us.

In Christ,

Wes

[2012]

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